Poetry Midwest is a new online poetry journal. Although their name references the American Midwest, they are seeking poetry from everywhere. They are especially drawn to narrative free verse, and to poems that celebrate ordinary moments: “We seek work that … pays close attention to the world, and that speaks with an honest, necessary voice.” They are also looking for poetry that is, “clear, resonant, and unflinching.”
Poetry Midwest is just starting out—they launched earlier this year—and although they’ve only published one poem, their website is well-designed and easy to navigate, and promises to be a well-curated home for future publications. They also promoted this poem on Instagram.
Poetry Midwest is open to submissions year-round, and poets may submit up to six poems, along with a brief cover letter and third-person bio. Submitting poets can expect a response within two weeks. Poets who have not received a response within two weeks are welcome to query
Poetry Midwest accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.
Poetry Midwest only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Poetry Midwest, please visit their website here.
Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.
